Job Opportunity: Harm Reduction Counselor/Outreach Worker/Driver, FROST'D at Harlem United, New York, NY

This position is responsible for providing an array of mobile-based harm reduction services including individual and group counseling to people living with and at risk for HIV/AIDS, rapid HIV testing, substance use and sexually transmitted infections (STIs) screenings and assessments, referrals, street outreach, and additional responsibilities as requested. Mobile services are conducted utilizing a team approach in the Prevention Division of Harlem United. Services are delivered to marginalized street-based populations, including active substance users, injection drug users (IDUs), people living with HIV/AIDS and/or Hepatitis C, sex workers, and other high-risk populations. Overdose education and relapse prevention is conducted on a regular basis to all clients with a history of substance use. This position is also responsible for driving the mobile units and assisting with vehicle maintenance.

Essential job functions include conducting a range of support and outreach activities to vulnerable street-based populations (IDUs, substance users, sex workers, etc.), including but not limited to conducting 35 individual alcohol and other drug interventions (AOD) per month with HIV+ clients (these are client-centered substance use/harm and risk reduction interventions to help initiate and maintain positive behavior change, and to empower clients with the information necessary to take control of their lives and their health); conducting 20 individual low threshold interventions (LT) per month with high-risk and/or HIV- clients (these are client-centered substance use/harm and risk reduction interventions to help decrease risk in drug use, decrease risk in sexual practice, and encourage HIV testing within three months); conducting 4 group level interventions per month with HIV+ clients (these are client-centered substance use/harm and risk reduction group interventions to help clients gain the knowledge and skills to positively impact their mental, physical and overall health and well-being); providing 15 rapid HIV tests per month (including pre-and post-test counseling) and making referrals and linkages to appropriate follow up care as needed; conducting 8 substance use screenings and assessments and 8 STI screenings and assessments per month with HIV-positive clients and making referrals to treatment as needed; conducting 8 individual overdose prevention trainings per month with HIV-positive clients (these trainings help clients recognize, prevent, and treat an opiate overdose); conducting 20 intakes and assessments per month and developing service plans in collaboration with the client, and providing reassessments, service plan updates, reengagements, and case closures as needed; making referrals as needed to HIV primary care, drug treatment and detox, mental health services, case management, housing services, benefits, emergency needs and other services; conducting street-based outreach in an effort to engage clients into services; (this includes conducting outreach with an integrated team in locations where our populations are visible and in need of services, distribution of materials and information about services); conducting a range of outreach activities to community members to foster good community relations and lessen fears of program activities in the neighborhoods served by the program, including providing information about program services, asking how the program can serve the community, asking what services are needed but currently lacking, and networking with community members; providing relevant, accurate, and appropriate risk reduction information via counseling, distributing literature and outreach supplies, safer sex supplies, and explaining how supplies may be used to reduce risks; and conducting surveys to assess relevant trends in the community so the program may be adapted to meet the continually changing needs of the community.

Other responsibilities include maintaining all paperwork and submitting it on-time to the Data Coordinator; driving program vehicles and other vehicles as needed; maintaining vehicle maintenance and upkeep, including timely reporting to the supervisor of any problems with the vehicle (i.e. leaks, oil, break flasher); completing daily vehicle logs; returning vehicles to the parking lot with a full tank of gas; performing general weekly inspection to ensure lights, appliances, etc. are properly functioning; ensuring the vehicle is routinely cleaned and presentable; ensuring vehicles are sufficiently stocked with program supplies and paperwork on a daily basis; maintaining clean and organized vehicles at all times; conducting inventory on a daily or weekly basis as needed; attending trainings, service planning sessions, and other activities to ensure the provision of the most up-to-date and culturally appropriate services; maintaining the highest level of professionalism at all times; participating in data-driven, clinical, and quality improvement supervisions, as well as departmental, divisional, and staff meetings; and other related duties as assigned.

Education and certification expected includes CASAC or CASAC in training, a high school diploma or GED, and a valid New York state driver's license. (Ability to change out of state license to NY is a must.)

Special skills and knowledge expected includes experience working with street-based populations, such as injection drug users, active drug users and sex workers; being bilingual in Spanish; knowledge of harm reduction and the risks associated with injection drug use and sexual behaviors; the ability to listen to and communicate clearly and respectfully with active drug users, community members, and agency staff; a high level of self-motivation; a commitment to working as a member of a team; and the flexibility and willingness to work primarily outdoors, including inclement weather conditions, and weekends when possible.

This position is to be filled as soon as possible.

Please email resumes and cover letters to: Stephen Crowe, Harm Reduction Coordinator, FROST'D at Harlem United, 290 Lenox Ave, Lower Level, New York, NY 10027, [email protected]. No calls please.